Babar Azam’s
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“The Tortoise”: Babar Azam’s Ultra Slow Knock Forces R Ashwin To Speak Out, Pakistan Pay The Price vs NZ In CT 2025
Introduction
Cricket is often defined by its moments of brilliance, high-speed action, and moments of tension. But sometimes, it’s the opposite—a slow, cautious approach—that creates the most stirring headlines. This was certainly the case in Pakistan’s clash with New Zealand during the 2025 Cricket World Cup, a match that became infamous for the painfully slow innings played by Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam.
Babar, renowned for his graceful yet efficient batting, found himself under intense scrutiny after a knock that forced cricket fans, pundits, and even players to take notice. His innings, which many described as ‘ultra-slow,’ sparked conversations about the pressures of modern cricket, the balance between aggression and caution, and the fine line between strategy and stagnation. It also prompted Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin to speak out, further intensifying the media frenzy.
This article aims to break down the events surrounding that infamous knock in detail, analyzing the strategies behind Babar’s approach, the reactions from various cricketing voices, and the consequences Pakistan faced as a result. It will also delve into the larger implications of this incident on the future of one-day international cricket, the mindset of modern-day cricketers, and the evolving role of captains in high-pressure tournaments like the Cricket World Cup.
Babar Azam’s The Context of the Game
The stage was set for a thrilling encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand in the 2025 Cricket World Cup. Both teams had their eyes on a crucial victory to advance to the knockout stages, and the match was expected to be a high-octane contest. New Zealand, led by Kane Williamson, had been performing consistently well throughout the tournament, with strong performances from their openers and all-rounders. On the other hand, Pakistan, under the leadership of Babar Azam, were looking to make a statement after a few close but disappointing matches.
The early stages of the game saw both teams feeling out the conditions, but as the match progressed, it became clear that one particular player would become the focus of all attention—Babar Azam. With the scorecard ticking at a glacial pace, Babar’s approach to batting began to raise eyebrows. His cautious stroke play was at odds with the modern-day expectation of aggression, especially in a high-stakes World Cup clash.
Babar Azam’s Ultra Slow Knock
Babar Azam, generally known for his elegant stroke play and composed demeanor at the crease, shocked many when he began his innings against New Zealand in an unusually slow manner. By the time he reached 50 runs, it was clear that he was not playing with the intent one would expect in such a high-pressure match. For several overs, his scoring rate was in stark contrast to what one might expect in a World Cup encounter.
While there was talk of early wickets falling, which might have forced Pakistan into a defensive position, the fact that Babar seemed reluctant to take risks or accelerate the innings left many questioning his approach. The situation grew even more tense as Pakistan’s score began to stagnate, and it was clear that they were not building the necessary momentum to post a competitive total.
Babar Azam’s Key Moments of the Knock
- First 50 Runs: Babar’s first 50 runs came off more than 100 balls, an alarming stat in the context of modern limited-overs cricket. The scoring rate during this period was far lower than the required rate for a team looking to set a competitive total.
- Struggles Against Spin and Pace: Babar struggled to find boundaries against both the spinners and pacers. His reluctance to take on New Zealand’s bowlers led to an increasing frustration in the dressing room, as well as the stands.
- Sluggish Approach to Building Partnerships: While he did manage to form partnerships with the lower order, his inability to rotate the strike or capitalise on scoring opportunities kept Pakistan’s total from expanding rapidly.
Babar Azam’s Ashwin’s Comment and the Public Outcry
As the game went on, one of the most significant reactions came from Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin, known for his tactical insight and sharp cricketing mind, made a public comment about Babar’s approach to the innings. His tweet and subsequent media comments about Babar’s ultra-slow knock went viral, triggering an outpouring of opinions from fans and analysts.
Ashwin, who has often been vocal on social media about cricketing tactics and the state of modern-day cricket, criticized Babar for being overly cautious. He noted that, in today’s fast-paced world of limited-overs cricket, taking a more aggressive stance was often the better option for a captain leading his team in a must-win game. Ashwin’s exact words echoed around the cricketing world:
“Babar Azam’s approach today reminded me of the tortoise in the race. Slow and steady doesn’t always win it in this format. Sometimes, you need to take the game by the scruff of the neck and make things happen.”
Public Backlash and Media Reactions
Ashwin’s statement was met with mixed reactions. Some cricket experts agreed with him, saying that Babar’s conservative approach cost Pakistan the momentum they desperately needed. Others defended Babar, arguing that he was simply playing to the conditions and trying to stabilize the innings after early wickets.
The Pakistani media, always quick to react, was divided. Some suggested that Babar had done what was necessary in a tough situation, while others criticized him for not adapting his game to the changing dynamics of the match. The discourse around Babar’s performance became the primary talking point on social media, where both Indian and Pakistani fans exchanged barbed comments.
The Price Pakistan Paid
In the end, Babar’s ultra-slow knock did not lead to the desired result. Pakistan’s total was far below what was needed to challenge New Zealand. The failure to accelerate in the middle overs, combined with the absence of a partnership-building approach from Babar, meant that the Pakistan team was always behind the 8-ball.
Impact on the Match
- Total Score: Pakistan posted a modest total, far below what they would have hoped for in such a crucial match. The conservative approach, while arguably necessary at times, became a glaring weakness in the context of modern-day ODI cricket.
- New Zealand’s Response: New Zealand’s chase was clinical. With their openers setting a solid foundation, and the middle order taking calculated risks, they comfortably chased down the target without significant pressure.
Psychological Impact on the Team
Babar’s performance seemed to weigh heavily on the team’s morale. It became clear that his slow knock had not just impacted the scoreboard but also affected the mental approach of the rest of the side. There was a palpable sense of frustration, with players feeling that the innings was a missed opportunity for Pakistan to assert themselves on the World Cup stage.
Long-Term Implications for Pakistan Cricket
The loss to New Zealand in this encounter was a painful one for Pakistan, and the consequences extended beyond just the points table. There were broader implications for the team’s performance in the tournament and for Babar Azam’s leadership.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
Babar Azam’s leadership came under intense scrutiny. As the captain, he was expected to not only perform with the bat but also inspire the team through tough moments. His ultra-slow knock raised questions about his ability to take charge in high-pressure situations, a key attribute for any captain leading a team in a tournament of such magnitude.
Future Strategy
This match could serve as a lesson for Pakistan’s future strategy in one-day internationals. Teams with aggressive mindsets have often found success in recent years, and this match served as a reminder that balancing caution with calculated risk is crucial. In a rapidly evolving format like ODIs, it might be more beneficial to adopt a more proactive approach rather than simply reacting to conditions.
Conclusion
Babar Azam’s ultra-slow knock against New Zealand in the 2025 Cricket World Cup remains one of the most talked-about innings in recent memory. While his decision-making was rooted in caution, the lack of intent to accelerate and the subsequent media reactions, including Ravichandran Ashwin’s comments, raised questions about the modern-day approach to batting in one-day internationals.
In the grand scheme of things, the loss to New Zealand and Babar’s slow innings served as a critical turning point in Pakistan’s World Cup campaign. It also sparked wider conversations about leadership, strategy, and the importance of adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of modern cricket. As the cricketing world moved on from that game, the echoes of Babar’s tortoise-like innings reverberated through both the fans and the experts, shaping discussions around the balance of aggression and caution in the future of ODI cricket.
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